Roland VGA-3 Owner's Manual
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Roland VGA-3 Owner's Manual

Roland VGA-3 Owner's Manual

V-guitar amplifier
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Owner's Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland VGA-3 V-Guitar Amplifier.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS"
(page 2) , "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" (page 3–4) , and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (page 5–6) .
These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by
your new unit, owner's manual should be read in its entirety.
The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

Main Features

The VGA-3 guitar amp provides 50-watt output from a high-volume, 30-cm speaker housed in a
portable cabinet. The unit features an advanced combination of core functions plus COSM technology
for realistic V-Guitar amp sounds.
● COSM AMPLIFIER
The VGA-3's amp modeling function reproduces the sounds of many popular guitar amps.
This amp features eleven amp types including modeled amp sounds, from the delicate clean
sound of the combo type to the large stack's massive distortion sound, and also an original flat
amp perfect for use with acoustic guitar and synthesizer sound.
● EFFECT
Including a newly developed spring reverb, the VGA-3 incorporates ten DSP effect types
perfectly suited for use with guitar sounds.
● COSM GUITAR
In addition to the regular guitar input, this amp also features GK input for guitar modeling.
Guitar modeling provides eleven realistic sound simulations, from electric and acoustic guitar
sounds to special sounds available only with GK. Achieve a whole range of sound variations,
without having to switch your guitar.
● MEMORY
The VGA-3's memory lets you store and instantly call up ten amp and effect settings internally.
Additionally, with the use of a foot controller (optional), you can store and call up forty settings.
● TUNER
A chromatic tuner is included.
● EXPANDABILITY
Not only can you connect a foot switch, the VGA-3 also provides an input for an expression
pedal, which can be used as a volume pedal or wah pedal.
Also included are an EXT IN jack for connecting a CD or rhythm machine, and a RECORDING
OUT/PHONES jack, which comes in handy for recording sessions or when practicing at home.

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Summary of Contents for Roland VGA-3

  • Page 1: Main Features

    A chromatic tuner is included. ● EXPANDABILITY Not only can you connect a foot switch, the VGA-3 also provides an input for an expression pedal, which can be used as a volume pedal or wah pedal. Also included are an EXT IN jack for connecting a CD or rhythm machine, and a RECORDING...

  • Page 2: Important Safty Instructions

    The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED. Copyright © 2002 ROLAND CORPORATION All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”...

  • Page 3: Using The Unit Safely

    • Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” sheet.
  • Page 4 012a: • Immediately turn the power off, remove the power cord from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” sheet when: • The power-supply cord, or the plug has been damaged;...

  • Page 5: Important Notes

    IMPORTANT NOTES 291b In addition to the items listed under “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” and “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on pages 2 and 3–4, please read and observe the following: This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. The protection circuit helps ensure safety by operating when excessive input continues for a long time while the device is at a location with a high ambient temperature.
  • Page 6 • Use only the specified expression pedal (EV-5, BOSS FV-300L; sold separately). By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit. • Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using some other make of connection cable, please note the following precautions.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Storing Knob and Button Settings to Memory (Write)...21 Confirming the Settings Stored in Memory (Memory Utility) ...21 Using the GFC-50 to Operate the VGA-3 ... 22 Connecting the VGA-3 and the GFC-50 ...22 Switching Memories With the GFC-50 ...22 How to Call Up the VGA-3’s Memories Using the GFC-50 ...22...

  • Page 8: Basic Operation

    GK-compatible guitar COSM GUITAR Connect guitars equipped with GK pickups here. The VGA-3 includes models of eleven guitar types, from a general guitar to more specialized sounds, including 12-string, synth, and sitar. [GUITAR TYPE] : Select the modeling type.

  • Page 9: Power Switch

    When using PHONES (Headphones) Connect a pair of headphones. * When stereo headphones are connected, the sound is output in mono. * No sound is output from the VGA-3’s speaker while the RECORDING OUT/PHONES jack is in use. Basic Operation...

  • Page 10: Rear Panel

    1. The device connected to GK IN, INPUT or EXT IN 2. VGA-3 3. The device connected to RECORDING OUT/PHONES EXP PEDAL Jack This allows you to control volume and wah (EFX) and control the SYNTH LEAD or SYNTH PAD filters.

  • Page 11: Settings For The Gk Pickup (Gk Setup)

    Settings for the GK Pickup (GK Setup) The tonal character of the VGA-3 (COSM Guitar) is greatly affected by how the divided pickup is installed. You need to enter the appropriate GK pickup settings (GK Setup) so as to minimize any tonal inconsistency that might arise from differences in how the divided pickup is installed.

  • Page 12: The Type Of Settings

    Settings for the GK Pickup (GK Setup) The Type of Settings GK SETTING Settings You can store three sets of settings in the VGA-3. This conveniently allows you to prepare separate settings for a multiple number of guitars equipped with a GK pickup.

  • Page 13: Gk Phase Setting

    GK PHASE Setting This matches the phase of the GK pickup's sound with the sound from the guitar's pickup. * If the phases are not matched, the sound from each source will interfere with each other when mixed, altering the tonal qualities and volume levels.

  • Page 14: Gk Level Setting

    GK Setup Chart fig.0041 Finishing the GK SETUP 1. Press [TUNER]. * The VGA-3 automatically stores the new value of a setting at the time the change is made. No separate action is needed to save the settings. Setting...

  • Page 15: Cosm Guitar

    This is an effect that is automatically applied according to the way the guitar strings are picked to produce a sound resembling that of a violin being played (see Note). The VGA-3 processes each of the six strings independently, allowing the type of performance expression impossible with a conventional guitar.

  • Page 16: More Advanced Operation

    COSM GUITAR More Advanced Operation SYNTH FILTER With SYNTH LEAD or SYNTH PAD selected, you can use an optional expression pedal (EV-5; optional) to shift the synth filter. When using an expression pedal (EV-5; optional) to shift the synth filter, set EXP PEDAL MODE in the System Setup to [1] VOLUME/GK/WAH or [2] GK/WAH.

  • Page 17: Cosm Amplifier

    The trademarks listed in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which are separate companies from Roland. Those companies are not affiliated with Roland and have not licensed or authorized Roland‘s VGA-3. Their marks are used solely to identify the equipment whose sound is simulated by Roland’s VGA-3.

  • Page 18: Effects

    Effects This section provides an introduction to the characteristics of each effect. Use the knob to switch to any of five different effects, CHORUS, FLANGER, PHASER, TREMOLO, or WAH. You can adjust the amount of effect applied according to the knob position. * The panel markings for CHORUS, FLANGER, PHASER, and TREMOLO are approximate.

  • Page 19: Delay

    DELAY Use the knob to switch to any of three different Delay, CLEAR, WARM, or DOUBLING. You can adjust the amount of effect applied according to the knob position. * The panel markings for CLEAR, WARM, and DOUBLING are approximate. Check the sound of the effects as you make adjustments. The indicator is lit when Delay is on, and goes off when Delay is turned off.

  • Page 20: Reverb

    Effects REVERB Use the knob to switch to any of two different Reverb, PLATE, or SPRING. You can adjust the amount of effect applied according to the knob position. * The panel markings for PLATE, and SPRING are approximate. Check the sound of the effects as you make adjustments.

  • Page 21: Memory

    MEMORY You can store and call up ten knob and button settings on the VGA-3. Additionally, with the use of a foot controller (such as the optional GFC-50 or FC-200), you can store and call up forty knob and button settings (p. 22).

  • Page 22: Using The Gfc-50 To Operate The Vga-3

    Using the GFC-50 to Operate the VGA-3 By connecting a GFC-50 foot controller (optional), you can use your foot to operate the VGA-3. Use the VGA-3’s factory MIDI settings. Connecting the VGA-3 and the GFC-50 Connect the VGA-3 and the GFC-50 with a MIDI cable.

  • Page 23: Storing (Writing) To The Vga-3'S Memories Using The Gfc-50

    4. Press the GFC-50’s pedal (3) to select which of the memory numbers 1–10 to which you want to write the tone. * If you want to cancel, press the VGA-3’s [MANUAL] (4). 5. Press the VGA-3’s [WRITE] (1) once more. During the write, the [WRITE] indicator flashes rapidly;...

  • Page 24: Making The System Settings (System Setup)

    Making the SYSTEM Settings (SYSTEM Setup) With the VGA-3, you can make the following system (the parameters that can be changed so that the VGA-3 operates according to the performer’s taste and particular application) settings. Basic Setting Procedure Follow this basic process to make the settings for the system (SYSTEM Setup).

  • Page 25: Ns Threshold Setting

    NS THRESHOLD Setting This sets how much of the internal noise suppressor is applied. The noise suppressor is an effect that reduces guitar- generated noise and hum. 1. Rotate [AMP TYPE] to select “AMERICAN CLEAN” (NS THRESHOLD). 2. Press a MEMORY button [1]–[10] to set the amount of effect.

  • Page 26: Midi Omni Mode Setting

    1. SYSTEM Setup Chart fig.0221 Finishing the SYSTEM Setup 1. Press [TUNER]. * The settings are stored in the VGA-3 at the time the settings values are changed. No separate action is needed to save the settings. Setting...

  • Page 27: Additional Data

    The data created up to the point when the factory settings are restored is lost. When Restoring All Settings to Their Factory Settings You can reinitialize the content of the VGA-3’s forty memories, GK Setup settings, and the SYSTEM Setup settings to their original factory settings.

  • Page 28: Calling Up The Factory Tone Settings For Each Individual Bank

    The [3/8] indicator flashes. * If you want to cancel the operation, turn the power off. 2. Press [WRITE] two times. The [WRITE] indicator flashes; once the settings have been called up, the VGA-3 returns to memory Number 1.

  • Page 29: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting This section explains some things that might go wrong when using the VGA-3, and what needs to be done to correct the problem.If you think there may be something wrong with your VGA-3, please check through the following first. If these suggestions don't fix the problem, then go ahead and contact the store you bought it from, or your nearest Roland Service Station.

  • Page 30: Block Diagram/Effect Connection Procedure

    Additional Data Block Diagram/Effect Connection Procedure fig.0251 MANUAL (Knob) Acoustic Guitar Simulator INPUT Input Select Switch COSM GUITAR MIDI IN Foot Switch Expression Pedal * Wherever a block contains one or more icons, it means that some of the parameters of that block can be controlled using the external controller(s) that the icon(s) represent(s).

  • Page 31: Midi Implementation Chart

    The function is selected according to the system settings. * 3 Functions the same as the VGA-3’s FOOT SW tip (FS1). The function is selected according to the system settings. * 4 Functions the same as the VGA-3’s FOOT SW ring (FS2). The function is selected according to the system settings.

  • Page 32: Specifications

    Additional Data Specifications VGA-3: V-GUITAR AMPLIFIER ● Rated Power Output ● Patches 10 (Recalled from Panel) 40 (Recalled from MIDI Foot Controller) ● Nominal Input Level (1 kHz) INPUT: -10 dBu EXT INPUT: -10 dBu * 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms ●...

  • Page 33: Memory Sheet (Factory Settings)

    Memory Sheet (Factory Settings) Bank No. Name 1 HEAVY 2 BRIT CRUNCH 3 JC CHORUS 4 SWAMPY COMBO 5 CLASSIC STACK 6 RICH ACOUSTIC 7 BLUESY OCTAVE 8 BRIGHT JAZZ 9 ROCK 12 10 JUNO BRASS 1 STRAIGHT JC 2 LIVERPOOL 3 TWEED BLUES 4 SCOOPED CRUNCH 5 DRIVEN D/C...
  • Page 34 MEMO...
  • Page 35 This product complies with the requirements of European Directives EMC 89/336/EEC and LVD 73/23/EEC. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 36 xxxxxxxx ’00-xx-xx-xxx...

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